HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2016-06-14Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes
June 14, 2016
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Vice Chair Sparks
Commissioners Hoard and Guttridge
Fire Chief Parsons
CC Liaison Gearhart
Information Management Specialist – Myers
Call to Order:
Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1603 hours.
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the March 3 and 8, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
Minutes – Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 3 and 8, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners
meeting be approved as published.
Ayes (3) Gilligan, Hoard, Sparks
Nays (0)
Abstention (1) Guttridge
Carried
Approval of the May 10, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 10, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners
meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
Persons Wishing to Address the Board of Fire Commissioners:
Mr. Lyman Baker provided the following report for the Board:
Dear Board Members,
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker, have worked in the Firemen’s Section of
the City of Ithaca Cemetery for a total of 6 hours each.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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We set US Flags, Loyal to Duty and Career Firefighter Flags, and placed appropriate
flag holders on May 23, 2016, so that the entire Firemen’s Section would look nice for
Memorial Day – May 30, 2016. He shared a picture of the Firemen’s section of the City
Cemetery that he took while they were working with the Board. A copy of it will be
attached to the minutes.
Mr. Baker further reported that right now, with the current set-up for radio
communications between members of the fire/police company and the dispatch center,
fire/police members have to provide their names – i.e. “Baker responding”, he wondered
why fire/police members can’t be assigned a number. That would be helpful to them for
their fire/police duties. In addition, procedures for traffic control, when fire/police
members become sick while on duty or need a bathroom break should be developed so
they can be implemented.
Respectfully submitted,
Lyman E. Baker, IFD #3258
Chair Gilligan responded that the Board would refer the matter of fire/police
communication with the dispatch center and development of procedures for certain
things to the Fire Chief to arrange training. It’s been a while since there was radio
training so it would be good to have a refresher course offered for everyone.
Correspondence:
A. Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust
Company for the donation fund dated May 31, 2016 had a beginning balance of
$2,651.61 and ending balance of the same amount reflecting no activity.
B. Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust
Company for the Rescue Squad Donation fund dated May 31, 2016 had a beginning
balance of $1,846.57 and an ending balance of $1,846.69 reflecting .12 interest earned.
Membership Changes:
Chair Gilligan reported that the Board received the following request from Mr. Lyman:
RE: Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s (Relief Fund Total)
Dear Board,
It has been quite a long time since the Veteran Volunteer Firemen have asked for
an accounting of our Relief Fund total. Our Relief Fund was started in 1919 from left
over War Chest money, collected by the community and given to the Volunteer Firemen
by Mayor Stewart.
The Veteran Volunteer Firemen received on September 29, 2015 a City of Ithaca
check of $7.37 and on the memo it read: interest from the Firemen’s Relief Fund.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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Can we please obtain a total amount in the Firemen’s Relief Fund as soon as
possible?
Thank You,
Lyman E. Baker, VVFA Treasurer
Chair Gilligan stated that he asked City Chamberlain Whitney for information on the
balance in the account and not just the interest. What was provided today for everyone
was information on the 2% funds and their distribution. He needs to clarify with the City
Chamberlain that there are two separate accounts, and the information that has been
requested is for the Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Relief fund. He will work on obtaining
that information for the Board’s next meeting.
Chair Gilligan further reported that a new member was approved by Company #9. Her
name is Victoria Mattarell and she is a student at TC3, works in town and expects to be
in the area indefinitely. She passed her interview with the Review Committee and met
with members of Company #9, where they approved her for membership. The next
step is for the Board to accept her as a new probationary member, pending the
successful outcome of her background investigation and physical.
Motion to Accept Victoria Mattarell as a Probationary Member with the Ithaca Fire
Department, Company #9 - Resolution
By Commissioner Guttridge: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners accepts Victoria Mattarell as a
probationary member with the Ithaca Fire Department, Company #9 pending the
successful outcome of her background check and physical.
Carried Unanimously
Vice Chair Sparks stated that he thought, typically, the Board would discuss the
acceptance of new members into the fire department. Or, is that something that would
be done in an executive session of the Board?
Chair Gilligan responded that the Review Committee meets to review applications and
report to the Board on recommendations for the Board to act upon. Chief Parsons
confirmed that the new member was already voted in as a probationary member to
Company #9.
Commissioner Guttridge noted that the new member discovered the volunteer
opportunity with the department by the sign posted about the need for volunteers.
Chair Gilligan reported that Company #9 received information from another member
who submitted their resignation. He stated that Richard Wilbur submitted a letter of
resignation that explained he no longer wishes or is able to be a volunteer with the
Ithaca Fire Department primarily due to not being able to meet the training
requirements. He is out of the area approximately eight months out of the year. When
he was in the area, he was very active as a volunteer, and Company #9 will miss him.
Mr. Wilbur plans to volunteer with the Danby Fire Department.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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Motion to Accept Resignation of Richard Wilbur from Company #9 - Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners accepts the resignation of Richard
Wilbur from Company #9 and the removal of his name from the volunteer roll for the
City of Ithaca Fire Department.
Carried Unanimously
Chair Gilligan further reported that two volunteer member applications had been
received; however, neither of them live in the Ithaca fire district so they can’t be
considered. He will send a thank you letter to both of them.
Commissioner Guttridge questioned whether volunteers could be considered for
membership if they work in the district, even though they may not live in the district?
Chair Gilligan responded that there is a certain number that would be allowed, but there
is a limit.
Miscellaneous Reports:
A. Town of Ithaca: No Report
B. City of Ithaca: No Report
C. Audit - The audit was reviewed and approved by Commissioner Hoard
Department Reports:
Fire Chief’s Report:
Chief Parsons provided his written monthly report for the Board, which will be attached
to the minutes. He highlighted the following items for the Board:
No changes in personnel or staffing since last month. The department is fully staffed
with two members in probationary status and currently going through training; they
should go on shift sometime in July and before August.
The previous comments he has made on the County 9-1-1 System and delayed
response times related to their CAD system crashing are still of concern. The County is
working on it and making updates to the software. They have installed new CAD work
stations, which was really needed, and they are in process of replacing all of those as
well as some servers. It is believed, by the 9-1-1 administrators at the County that the
reasons for the system locking up were that those computers were not fast enough for
what that software is supposed to do. He has been in communications with them and
he believes that the problem is in the process of being resolved
In May sixty-five (65) new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Units arrived which were
paid for by the 2014 Assistance for Firefighting Grant Program, which provided
$413,000 towards the $465,000 cost of the units. The training on the use of the new
units is in process, and he is looking forward to having them in service later this month.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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On May 20th he was informed from Senator Schumer’s office that the Ithaca Fire
Department had been awarded a grant under the 2015 Assistance for Firefighting Grant
Program in the amount of $45,455. The money will cover 90% of the cost and be used
to replace the department’s breathing air compressor that is nearing its end of
purposeful use.
He has no update to report on the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response
Grant Program. They did reach out to him at the beginning of May to confirm the City
was going to send a letter stating that it agrees and understands to abide by the grant
requirements. The requirements include the City picking up the cost for the four
additional firefighters that would hired using the grant funds or eliminate the positions at
the end of the grant period if the City is not able to keep them due to its financial
situation. Common Council approved the resolution accepting the grant, and the need
for the Mayor to confirm in writing that the City will comply with the requirements. That
letter has been sent out from the Mayor’s office. The grant may not be awarded until
sometime in September.
Collegetown Fire Station - Kingsbury Architects are looking at another possible East Hill
location for a new fire station on Maple Avenue. The study would review the cost and
programming with a reconfigured station that would be 30 percent smaller than the
existing fire station. They are also reviewing the building conditions at Central Fire
Station. The study will investigate the feasibility of expanding the station to
accommodate the apparatus, people and program storage from the Collegetown Fire
Station for a short or possibly longer term. No decisions have been made yet; this is
just to gather as much information so that an informed decision can be made as to how
to proceed.
Pumper Truck Replacement - the sixteen year old pumper, a 2000 4-Guys Spartan
pumper has had significant corrosion of the truck’s frame. While not broken, it could
crack and render the truck out of service. Three vendors have all been asked to look at
it and provide recommendations. All three say the frame needs to be replaced, at an
estimated cost $49,000, and if replaced the truck would be out of commission three to
four months. A decision needs to be made as to whether or not to do the repairs, or
consider that it is due for replacement in 2020 so should they move forward with the
replacement right now.
Alderperson Gearhart left the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
The Heavy Rescue truck had been scheduled for refurbishment to install a new chassis
and body. That project will be delayed and the money re-allocated for a new pumper
truck, and then they will be asking Common Council to increase that capital project by
$100,000 in order to purchase the new truck this year with delivery next year. Then it
will just be a matter of when it will be out of service.
The Ladder Truck which was damaged during a training accident has been repaired and
is now back in service.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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The new Duty Chief vehicle arrived; right now they are getting estimates for putting the
lights, radio, lettering and striping on it. They hope to see it in service by the middle to
end of summer.
The Code Enforcement Division has been very busy with inspections related to new
construction, which is very time consuming since there is a lot of new construction
occurring right now.
There were 418 emergency responses in May, which put the department on track for
calls which is about the same last year.
Lt. Tracy provided the May training report as well as the Training Center usage. That
report will be attached to minutes. Firefighters are currently undergoing technical
training related to trench rescue. The training should be completed by the end of the
month, and the cost for all of that training was covered by a grant.
Chair Gilligan asked whether the purchase of the new pumper was done under contract.
Chief Parsons explained that it was, that it’s a duplicate order so there is some savings
by ordering the two trucks at once. Basically, the time involved in construction
inspections will be saved by doing two at once instead of one at a time.
Fire/Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius provided the following monthly report for the Board:
June 12, 2016
Fire Police training was held on May 17, 2016. The topic was Traffic Control for NYS
Firefighters and Firefighter Injury Prevention. The following people participated: Dave
Cornelius, Gary Bordoni, Lyman Baker, Jim Rogers, Jack Gould, and Bill Gilligan.
June Fire Police Training will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 starting at 1900. The
topic is First Aid.
The Fire Police Unit was called out for a truck rollover on Route 96. Again, no one was
available to respond.
Members of Company #9 participated in the clean-up of Rt. 89 on Saturday June 11,
2016. The individuals were: Jack Gould, Victoria Mattarell, Jim Rogers, Ben Schafer,
Alex Karandeyev and Bill Gilligan.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Cornelius
Mr. Cornelius asked whether there would be any extra storage room at Central Station
to store extra rain suits and helmets for the Fire/Police Unit. Chief Parsons responded
that there would be.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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Chair Gilligan stated that former Company #6 may have room that could be used for
stoage as well. He further wondered whether a new resolution would be needed if the
Fire/Police Unit wanted to add money to the current budget in order to purchase a new
fire police vehicle instead of a used one. Chief Parsons responded that it would, but it
shouldn’t slow up the purchase process.
Old Business:
A. Volunteer recruitment items/issues - Committee Update:
Chair Gilligan reported that there was nothing specific to report from the committee.
They need to look at ensuring ongoing training for volunteers because there are two
volunteers, in addition to the new member, that need training. What can be done to give
those members meaningful activity until they can take the appropriate New York State
training course?
Chief Parsons responded that to the best of his knowledge, there will be one Firefighting
Course held at the end of August, but he does not have the dates right now. He will
reach out to Tompkins County to get place holders for these three volunteers but will
need to get a commitment from county that the course will be held. He will also find the
answer as to whether an interior Firefighting course will be offered. He will know more
after Thursday and Tompkins County Fire Chief’s meeting.
Vice Chair Sparks wondered if there was any reason those volunteers cannot audit the
trench rescue training currently taking place. Chair Gilligan responded that due to work
schedules of the volunteers they probably would be unable to attend that training. Chief
Parsons noted that since protective gear is needed to participate in the trench training, it
probably would not work for these new volunteers.
Role of Board of Fire Commissioners:
Chair Gilligan reported that there was no update at this point, however, it would be good
for the Board to oversee and become more involved with developing the volunteer
program so that it is not all up to members of Company #9. He said that it would be
good to also put efforts into providing additional information sessions about how to
become a volunteer with the department.
Recognition-Award Guidelines/Procedures:
Discussion and action by the Board of Fire Commissioners for the recognition to
Asst. Chief (Ret.) VanBenschoten and Commendation to Ithaca Fire Department
members responding to the January 6, 2016 Cargill Mine Incident:
Chair Gilligan reported that the presentation of the certificate/award to Retired Asst.
Chief VanBenschoten for his forty plus years of service with the Fire Department is
scheduled for June 24, 2016, at Stewart Park. It’s the day that Guy wanted to have his
retirement celebration with everyone and a great time for the presentation.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
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A Resolution Honoring Guy VanBenschoten On His Retirement From the City of
Ithaca Fire Department
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Guttridge
WHEREAS, Guy VanBenschoten, Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Ithaca Fire
Department retired on February 22, 2016, after forty-one years of outstanding and
meritorious service to the City of Ithaca and the City of Ithaca Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Guy began his career with the City of Ithaca Fire Department as a bunker
volunteer fire fighter in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Guy was then hired as a Fire Fighter with the City of Ithaca Fire
Department on January 6, 1975; and
WHEREAS, five years after he officially started as a career firefighter, in June 1980,
Guy was promoted to the position of lieutenant for the City of Ithaca Fire Department;
and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his outstanding firefighting skills, commitment, leadership
skills and proven professionalism, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Fire
Chief in June 1987, a position he held until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, throughout his forty-one years of service with the City of Ithaca Fire
Department, Guy has served the people of this community to the very best of his ability
with dedication, professionalism, and skillful leadership abilities; and
WHEREAS, Guy is always willing and able to provide assistance to anyone in need,
and a great teacher and trainer for the other firefighters; and
WHEREAS, Guy is full of enthusiasm and has always brought passion to his work at the
City of Ithaca Fire Department as well as being on the leading edge of new techniques
for use responding to fires and different emergency situations – his vision has always
been on the leading edge of the profession; and
WHEREAS, Guy was instrumental in establishing the Emergency Incident Management
Training Program for the City of Ithaca for firefighters and appropriate city staff; now,
therefore be
RESOLVED, That we, the Members of the City of Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners,
do hereby extend to Guy VanBenschoten our sincere and grateful appreciation for his
dedicated service to the City of Ithaca Fire Department, our congratulations on his well-
earned retirement, and our best wishes to his for continued success, happiness, and
good health in the years to come.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
9
City of Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners – Commendation to Members of the
City of Ithaca Fire Department Responding to the Cargill Mine Incident -
Resolution
By Commissioner Guttridge: Seconded by Vice Chair Sparks
WHEREAS, City of Ithaca Fire Department firefighters, on January 6, 2016, responded,
along with other local fire departments, to a report of miners trapped below the surface
at Cargill Salt Mine in Lansing, New York; and
WHEREAS, the responding firefighters of the Ithaca Fire Department included the
following officers and firefighters: Assistant Chief Guy VanBenschoten, Assistant Chief
Daniel Tier III, Lieutenant George H. Apgar II, Lieutenant Scott Eaton, Lieutenant
Thomas Deis, Lieutenant Thomas Basher Jr., Firefighter Adam Buck, Firefighter
Richard Brown, Firefighter Richard Cacciotti, Firefighter Jeffery Cook, Firefighter Daryl
Pace, Firefighter John Powers, Firefighter Thomas Raponi, Firefighter Greg Stevenson,
Firefighter Kenneth Thompson, Firefighter Russell Vidler; and
WHEREAS, when firefighters arrived on scene they found seventeen (17) miners
trapped 900 feet down a mine shaft; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Fire Chief VanBenschoten helped to come up with an incident
action plan with three strategies: using Cargill's machinery, getting a crane, and sending
rope rescue; and
WHEREAS, the firefighters assisted in locating the proper machinery, setting up the
crane and sending the rope down the shaft to the miners trapped below the surface;
and
WHEREAS, City of Ithaca Fire Department firefighters as well as members from local
fire departments including Lansing, Ithaca, Cayuga Heights, along with Tompkins
County Sheriff's deputies and the Tompkins County Department of Emergency
Management began the work to implement the rescue plan; and
WHEREAS, City of Ithaca Fire firefighters, with assistance, were successfully able to
secure the hoist in which the miners were trapped by using the crane provided and
thereby lift all seventeen miners safely from the mine shaft; and
WHEREAS, recognition should be given to the firefighters of the City of Ithaca Fire
Department that assisted in the rescue effort for their team work and emergency rescue
skills which resulted in no injuries to any of the miners that were trapped nor to any of
the crews that responded to the scene; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners wishes to recognize
and commend each responding firefighter and office of the City of Ithaca Fire
Department for their emergency rescue efforts and coordination, as a team, to work
together to safely rescue the trapped miners at Cargill Salt Mine; and, be it further
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
10
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners wishes that a copy of this
resolution to commend each firefighter be placed in their personnel files.
Carried Unanimously
Recognition-Award Guidelines/Procedures - Continued:
Chair Gilligan stated that the Board needs to establish a formal procedure for the award
of certificates and resolutions of commendation for future reference. It was agreed that
the idea of presenting the certificates and resolutions on a quarterly basis at the Board
meeting. The Chief can make arrangements to have as many members attend the
meeting so that the Board can give the certificates to them in person. The Board would
like to develop a standard type resolution for both commendations and retirements.
Review and Discuss Quarterly Report (format and content):
Chief Parsons stated that he wanted to know if Board members needed more, different
or some other information to be included in his monthly reports. He said that currently
he provides the number of calls, types of calls, information on mutual aid to and from,
types of calls dispatched to, which is different than what the actual call turns out to be.
For example, they could be dispatched for an “odor of smoke” and it actually turns out to
be an actual structure fire. Is that information valuable to Board members?
He also provides a breakdown on the number of calls based on the day of the week and
time of the day. What information does board want? His quarterly report next month will
include the statistic for the first six months of the year. So, after that meeting would be
a good time for him to produce a different type of report, if that’s what the Board needs.
Chair Gilligan asked the Chief what degree of difficulty it is for him to produce what is
currently being produced for the Board. The Chief responded, probably a couple
hours.
Chair Gilligan stated that, from his perspective, it’s good to have an electronic record of
the activities of the department. The reports are posted on the City’s website along with
the minutes which is one of the reasons for his interest in having the information.
Chief Parsons stated that for the regular monthly statistics reporting that it does not take
more than an hour to do. The report is a way he can make sure all the information is
accurate; for example the information may indicate that the incident happened in the
Town of Ithaca but was reported as taking place in the City of Ithaca.
Vice Chair Sparks stated that the report does seem like a worthy exercise because if
the information is not tracked in this way, he would think that it would be harder to do.
The format is helpful because it shows the trend in calls for the department.
Chief Parsons stated that he would continue with the current report style and
information, and if the Board would like more detailed information about a particular
topic to let him know. He stated that his annual report provides the total summary for
the year of the calls, as well as the calls for each month.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
11
Vice Chair Sparks stated that it might be helpful for Board members to see who actually
participated in the training instead of just the number of participants. He would also be
interested in a spreadsheet of all the trainings available and recommended because he
knows there are limits based on time and money; what training is not happening that
should and that type of information.
Chief Parsons responded that a training that is not happening is “live fire” and it is also
the most talked about. Due to the requirements of New York State, the department
would have to double the amount of staff on duty in order to run the exercise (staff to
attend the training plus staff to have on duty while it occurs).
Vice Chair Sparks noted that if there is training available that is not able to be accessed
by the department, then the Board could lobby Common Council for a budget that allow
the training to occur.
Chief Parsons stated that a lot of members want to and request to go to training
regularly. He reviews each request by type, experience on the job etc., and provides for
the allocation of training as evenly as he can since everyone has to share what
resources are available to the department.
Vice Chair Sparks stated in terms of analyzing where the department is training wise
would be good. Chief Parsons responded that staff do more training than they did ten
years ago, especially repetitive skills training like the “drop and roll” drill. He will ask
Lt. Tracy to provide a list of the actual training topics available to the department for the
Board’s next meeting.
Vice Chair Sparks noted that at one point, the topic of fire alarm calls that the
department responds to may come up. Related to the discussion about billing for false
alarms due to the cost to the department for each time they need to respond to one.
Chief Parsons responded that the cause of most false/unintended alarms relate to
cooking or accidental activation by people doing test work without notifying central
station or reports of smoke that may actually be caused by something else.
Reimbursement Request for Materials Used in Maintaining the Firefighter
Memorial at the City of Ithaca Cemetery:
Chair Gilligan stated that the Board received a request at the last meeting from the
Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association to be reimbursed for the costs associated with
routine maintenance of the Firemen’s Monument section of the city cemetery.
Chair Gilligan shared the following information with the Board as noted at the May
meeting:
Mr. Raymond Wheaton addressed the Board to report that the Veteran Volunteer
Firemen’s Association has a bill in the amount of $90.67 for maintenance and upkeep of
the Firemen’s Section of the City of Ithaca Cemetery so that it looks nice. The Vets will
have another bill next month for additional maintenance work, and they would like to
request that money from Donation Fund be used to pay them rather than out of the Vets
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
12
Funds. He will consolidate both bills for presentation to the Board at their June
meeting.
Chair Gilligan further stated that a source that could cover the reimbursement to the
Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association would be the “Donation Fund”, if the Board
supports the request.
Approval of Reimbursement from the Donation Fund to the Veteran Volunteer Fire
Fighter Association – Resolution
By Commissioner Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association assists in the routine
maintenance and upkeep of the Fire Fighters' Memorial Section of the City of Ithaca
Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association, as part of the routine
maintenance, used funds from their account to pay for the purchase of fertilizer, Round-
Up weed killer, and limestone for use around the Fire Fighters' Memorial Section of the
City of Ithaca Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association submitted a written
request to the Board of Fire Commissioners for reimbursement of those funds; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners approves the payment of $90.67
out of the Donation Fund to the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Carried Unanimously
New Business:
A. Discussion of 9/11 Memorial and Display of Steel Donated to the Ithaca Fire
Department From the World Trade Center:
Chief Parsons informed the Board that the steel piece is currently being stored in the
Deputy Chief’s office. He explained that the Ithaca Fire Department was given the
piece of steel from Word Trade Center. This great donation was gifted to the City as a
result of a request submitted by Retired Asst. Fire Chief VanBenschoten to the New
York City Fire Department. The City of Ithaca Fire Department was very fortunate to be
given this special part of history from them. He stated that what will happen now is to
contact interested parties, any particular stakeholders, volunteers, the Public Art
Commission and the Planning Department so that everyone can work, think, and plan
about the best and most appropriate way to display the steel so it can viewed and
visited by everyone. Once a location is decided upon, then work and decisions will
need to be made on the best way to display the piece in a careful and respectful way as
a tribute and memorial to everyone. He further stated that the City of Ithaca Fire
Department also has some access and a source by which to obtain a stone from the
Pentagon Building that was also attacked on 9/11. It is made available as a result of the
renovations made to the building after 9/11. He would like to put both on display
together to create public tribute for everyone to observe and commemorate the attacks
on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. He would love to have
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes June 14,2016
13
this tribute available for the public by September 11, 2016 – the 15th anniversary of the
attacks. He stated that the Board would need to approve the funding for this project.
He further stated that once he knows what the total amount will be for the display of the
items, he will let the Board know – hopefully by the July meeting. At that meeting, he
will ask the Board to allocate funds from appropriate accounts for use in this project.
Some possible sites might be at Central Fire Station, DeWitt Park, Thompson Park –
which is where the City of Ithaca Fire Bell is displayed. The Fire Department has also
held other events and commemorations at Thompson Park. There is, of course, the
concern about vandalism so they would like the display in a location where people will
see it. Maybe someone might donate a bench so that there would be something nearby
on which to sit to view and contemplate the display. This will be a very special place for
people, particularly the ones in our community who lost loved ones a result of the
attacks.
Chief Parsons asked Board members to please send him any ideas they might have
regarding a possible location for the display – the sooner the better.
Chair Gilligan suggested, in terms of designing a space, that perhaps a contest open to
the public might be worthwhile. Chief Parsons responded that is one of the reasons he
would like the Public Art Commission involved since some people have expressed
interest in creating the display area as well as possible locations for the display because
of their trade and craftsmanship abilities. Another suggestion was made to involve local
college students in the contest as well.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1712 hours.
_________________________________ ______________________________
Sarah L. Myers, William Gilligan,
Information Management Specialist Chair
CITY OF ITHACA
31O lyesr Green Street lthaca, New York f.i850-5i97
1ilr2
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Telephone: @7272-1231 Fax: 607 2,7 2-2793
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: June 13ttr, 2016
Re: Fire Chiels Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Chief
Deputy Chief (per diem)
Assistant Chiefs
Lieutenants
Fire Fighters
Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of May 3lst, 2016 - 64
a) Vacancies
r None
b) Retirements:
r None
c) Hiring/Promotions
. None
1
1
6
8
47
63
Administration
1) Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
Page 2 of 6 - Firc Chief s Monthly Report June I 3th, 2016
2) Budget Report
a) 2016 Budget: Budget Summary - see accompanying report
3) County Communications and 9l 1 Programs:
a) In November, I communicated to the Director of the Tompkins County
Department ofEmergency Response and the Dtector ofthe 91 I Center
expressing my concerns with the delayed dispatching o f emergencies by the 9l I
Center. Since last fall, there have been issues with the CAD software that causes
the computer aided dispatch workstations to lock-up or crash. Sometimes this has
resulted in a delay in processing the information from the caller, or a delay in the
CAD providing a recommended response. We are still experiencing delayed
dispatching due to the CAD software crashing. Last week, I was informed by the
Tompkins County Director ofEmergency Response, Lee ShurtleS that the
county is in the process of installing new CAD workstations, and are planning to
upgrade the CAD server later this year. Mr. Shurtleff believes this will address
the issues with the CAD.
4) Grants and Donations
a)In May, we took delivery ofsixty-five new SelfContained Breathing Apparatus
Units that were purchased from funding provided in the 2014 Assistance for
Firefighting Grant Program. The AFG grant provided $413,000 in funding
towards the $455,000 cost ofthe new units. The units will be in service later this
month.
b) On May 2O'h,2016,I received word from U.S. Senator Charles Schumer's Office
that the Ithaca Fire Department was the recipient ofa grant under the 2015
Assistance for Firefighting Grant Program. In January, I submitted a grant
application to fund the replacement ofthe fire department's breathing at
compressor. The current compressor is l5 years old and nearing its end ofuse.
We are approved to receive $45,455 towards the replacement ofthe compressor.
c)No Update: On March 25'h,2016,1 submitted two grant applications to the
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
The first grant application requested funding for a volunteer and bunker program.
The grant would pay for equipment, physicals, and training for up to 20 new
volunteer and bunking members over four years. If awarded the grant would also
fund a parttime program administrator. The total amount requested is 5256,744.
The second grant application requested funding for four career frefighters. If
awarded, the grant would fund salaries and benefits for four career firefighters for
two years. After the grant period, the City would either pick up the cost for the
four additional frefighters or eliminate the positions. The total amount requested
Page 3 of 6 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report June I 3th. 2016
5) Collegetown Fire Station
The City contracted with Kingsbury Architects to look at another location for an
East Hill fire station on Maple Ave. The study would also review the cost and
programming with a reconfigured station that would be 30 percent smaller than
the existing fire station.
Kingsbury Architects is also reviewing the building conditions at Central Fire
Station. Kingsbury will also investigate the feasibility ofexpanding the station to
accommodate the apparatus, people, and progftrm storage from the Collegetown
Fire Station for a short or possibly longer term.
a) Pumper Replacement - One ofour l6-year-old pumpers, a 2000 4-Guys/Spartan,
has significant corrosion of the truck's frame. While the frame is not broken,
there are reasons to believe that the frame could soon crack, rendering the truck
out of service. The estimated cost of replacement for the frame is at least
$49,000. Ifwe choose to replace the frame, the engine would be out ofservice
for several months. I met with the City Controller to discuss an early
replacement, as it will be due for replacement in 2020. A resolution has been
submitted to Common Council to replace this engine this year.
b) Heavy Rescue - Common Council authorized in the 2016 Budget to fund the
refurbishment ofour 1989 Saulsbury Heavy Rescue. The project involves the
removal ofthe stainless steel rescue body from the existing 1989 Simon Duplex
chassis, refurbishing body, and then installing it on a new truck chassis. The
estimated cost is $450,000. This project is a substitute for a full replacement of
the truck and body, which is estimated to cost $800,000. Ifwe are approved for
the early replacement of a pumper, the Hearry Rescue Project will need to be
scaled down or delayed for another year.
c) Ladder Truck Damaged - The 2013 Pierce Ladder Truck was damaged during a
training evolution in March. The truck was taken to Churchville NY for repairs.
The truck retumed from repairs last week.
is $634,01 6. There can be no reductions in staffurg during the grant performance
period. On May 4ttr, Common Council approved a resolution authorizing the
Mayor to submit a letter of commitment to US FEMA outlining the City's
understanding ofthe terms and conditions ofthe FY 2015 SAFER grant.
5) Apparatus
d) New Duty Chief Vehicle In the 2016 budget, funding was provided for the
replacement ofa 2005 Chevy Tahoe that is used by the Duty Chief for emergency
Page 4 of 6 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report June l3th. 201 6
response. A new vehicle was delivcred in May, and will be put in service in later
this summer after it's been lettered, emergency lights and radios installed.
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
l) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of Activities for May 2016 -
Complaints Received: l5
Refened to the City Building Division 9
Referred to the Town oflthaca 2
Investigated by the Fire Prevention Bureau 4
Inspections:79
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance
City - Permit Required City Fte Safety
Town Fte Safety & Property Maintenance
City - Sprinkler Inspections
City - Altemative Fire Protection Systems
City - Fire Alarm Inspection
City - Standpipe Hydrostatic Test
City - Standpipe Flow Test
City - Fire Pump Flow Test
City - Elevator
Permits or Certificates: 59
Operating Permit - Assembly Occupancy
Operating Permit - Hazardous Occupancy
Operating Permit - Lumber Yard
OperatingPermit Elevator
Operating Permit - Fireworks
Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Pump
Certificate of Compliance Fire Standpipe
Certificate of Compliance - Alternative Suppression 0
39
6
2
t4
0
8
2
I
0
7
9
I
0
1Q
0
l1
4
5
0
1
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
Page 5 of 6 - Fire Chiel-s Monthly Report June I 3th, 2016
There was one fue investigation in May. The investigation was for a fire at 505 W.
Seneca St in the City of lthaca. Thc cause of the fire was improperly discarded smoking
materials on the porch.
3) Public Education and Special Events
Public Education Events:
Fire Drills Witnessed:
Child Safety Seat Inspections:
OPERATIONS DIVISION
1) Emergency Response:
May 2016 Responses - 418 lncidents
City oflthaca:
8
0
137
17
t0
50
70
0
0
Town oflthaca:121 Incidents (28.95%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good lntent:
AlarmsA.{o Fires:
Severe Weather:
5 Incidents (1.20%\
Fires:
5
0
4
292 Incidents (69.860/o)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
AlarmsA,lo Fires:
Severe Weather:
Other
I
0
1)
5
2
29
12
0
3
Mutual Aid:
Page 6 of 6 - Fire Chiels Monthly Report June I 3th, 2016
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
Alarms,A{o Fires:
Severe Weather:
Simultaneous Incidents: 70 Incidents (1 6.7 5%)
2) Emergency Management:
No Report.
Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report3)
Support
1) Training
Quarterly Report
2) Training Center
Quarterly Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
2)
Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
There are currently 12 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fte Police
Requests from Company Members to become active: On new member has an application
pending
3)
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1)
20I6 REVENUE SUMMARY 8Y ACCOUNT
MAY 2OI6
Revised
REVENUE YTD REVENUE PCT Collecled
Remoining
REVENUE
Averoge
Mlhty Prolected
Fire Code lnspection i565 $6r,000 s36,48r ,519 $87,554
0%
Public Sofely Services 264 $2,000 a%$2.000 $0
Fire Prolective Services 2262 $3,081.2OO s765.000 25%$2,3r6.200 $ rs3,000 $1.836,000
Rentol of Reol Property
'I
l
I,+$ r .000 57s0 $r0,250 .,1$rso r ,800
Renlol of Equipmeni 2414
I
IPublic Sofeiy Permiis 2ss0 $ r2,000 s7,075 $4,92s $r,4t5 $16,e-1 --
i
--!---
Fines & Forfeited Boil 26 r0 $s00 0%$s00 $o $0
Minor Soles 2655 $ r00 0%$ r00 $0
Sole of Equipment 2665 $0 sr 0,000 $2.000
lnsuronce Recoveries 2684 $ r0,000 sr 0,900 t09%-$900 $2,r80 gza,r oo
Other Compensolion for !oss 2690 0%$0 $o
Refund Prior Yeor Expense 2701 $2 28%$r43 $r36
Gifts & Donalions 2705 $77 4,377
Unclossified Revenue 2770 $600 0%$0 $o
Home & Community Service 3989 $0 $0 $o $0
s3,9s3,r27 5830.283 2t.0%s2,3s7,887 5r 66,057 Sr,968,678
,$7 .2e 6
Home & Comm Servlces 2189 $100 $ 100 $0 $o
$o
$0 $0
$0
$s0
557
s20
181.619
1,822,261
370,000
. l'rm
8s,000
t22,7N
71,000
t10,000
75,000
8,800
79.000
2 L000
r1,300
25,000
23,67 5
t2,67 5
2,000
39.000
0
0
9.000
r05
|0
125
410
4t5
rl60
4/A
,155
205
2r0
225
110
115
175
176
177
180
120
425
700 |.5/6 ,1.595 6t%
5/ 1.851 71./31 1.915.880
r,058 r.058
5.9153,509
3C.7 4A
1.310 15.790
5.160 5.160
3,1063,r06
5.610 9,1913.851
r,305 9t%
a97
39@
6A%
20
0
223800
0
2,802 70,053
2.786
r00,358 958.090
85,013
39%8.125
54,26X
2\,92
1,091
36,107
2.093 )
l
7,763 )
2,946,UA
266,113
0
/,942
r 1,085
30./40
17.130
93%
78%
782
7,721 1.9\2
!o,650
l,023: zts
r00%
83%
86%
68%
21.388
1o.712
2,786
ll5,6!2
64,2$
6,0r4
6,912 103,857
38,350
24.388
52,7A7 3.502
r53,1/4 18,266
72%,
M"
u%
88%
39%
5r%
r05,570
65,8r'0
r5,509
63%3,a57.446
rP{,5
iE
51 53 54 55
2016 ?3iF
<z
.E
-e&
;PEt
P-
i8g:
-9
8e
}I
E-d!
5 58rp!
I
q,&
r
t
Stolt
Otllca Equlp
Olher Equlp
Ufln..
Clolh.3
Gor & O[
Olllc. Expen
Sloll Dev.l
Plem Suppl
Equlp itolnl
tqulp Porh
8ldg Molnt
6.t t9.063 20i.249 I58.813 23.r53 r.055,939 67A,3A5 42.904 93,174 2.261,617
2016 Acci5 JMO
2.444
0
9,925
230
3s3so
]
rz-ezs I
I
230 |.l
50
9.
..
CITY OF ITHACA
310 Wcst Green Street Ithaca, New York 1485O-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CI{IEF
1'clcph<>ne: 607272-1231 Faj(: 6lif272-2793
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: C. fuchard Tracy / MTO
Re: May Training
Date: June 6,2016
I have the following training hour tally for the Month of May Training Report (May I -
May 3l ) according to firehouse records.
In-Service Training
Volunteer Training Hours - 48
Career Training Hours - 1739.5
(print out available)
(278.5 hours yd - as of06/01/16)
(5,491 hours ytd - as of06/01/16)
I 4 hours
3.5 hours
7 hours
8 hours
55 hours
Training Center Usaqe
City of Ithaca HR (training offered through HAB Grant)
Ithaca Police SWAT Unit
County Fire Departrnents
Cayuga Heights FD
Rental
USGS - Confined Space Training
Ithaca Fire Department
''An Equal Opponuniry llmplo)'er \r,ith a comriitment ro workforcc diversificltion."
Ithaca E'ire Detr)artment
Trai-niag Eours Total- by Staff
Class Date Between lO5/OL/2OL6| And {05,/31/2OL6l
ID* Name shift # C].asses Hours
3258 Baker, LyEan E
3517 Bordoni, Gary
Totals for Staff:3 9. 00
Tota]"s for Staff:2 1.00
4 413 Cantone, Eralk
4 601 cook, .feffrey H
Totals for staff:2 16. 00
Totals for staff:2 10.00
3883 colnelius, Dave
Totals for Staff:1.O0
4188 ci11igarl, Wi-]-liaD
Totals fo! Staff:2 1.00
4301 could, Jack
Totals for staff:2 1.00
3793 Rogers, JaEes
4 605 schafer, BenjaDin J
Totals for Staff:2 1. O0
Totals for: Staff:1 8.00
196 Baker, John K
185 Basher, ThoEas T
A
A
Totals for Staff:B 33.50
Totals for Staff:7 30.50
169 Covert, Robert M
Totals for Sta.ff :25.50
190 Eulton, Jason S
2O1 Grant, Joshua J.F.
166 Pendell, Blj-an T
A
Totals for Staff:5 21.50
A
Tota.ls fo! Staff:8 33.50
A
Totals for Staff:5 22 -50
2O8 Pirko, Thollas
35. 50
Page 106/06/20t6 12t28
A
Totals for Staff: 11
2
fthaca Eire Departnent
Tra5-ning llours Total by Staff
C1ass Date Between t1s/O1/2016) And {05/3L/2OL6I
t
ID# NaItre shift # Classes Hou!s
186 snel1, Peter A
161 Spadolini r Malk A
191 Stilwell, Greg D
219 velado, crise1d.a
272 YidLex, Russe].]- T
200 whea]-, ,Ja.oes D
177 Bardo, Wade A
2O4 Brow,f t Richard P
192 Doner, Robelt .T
188 Hathaway, Dean
146 Jackson, Otis E
207 Koehler, Kevin
197 Kourkoutis, Chris
215 Moral-es, Jil1ian 1
156 O'Connor, Chrj-stopher
181 Payne, Timothy J
A
A
Totals for Staff:B
Tota.ls for Staff:
Totals fo! Staff:6
Totals for Staff:
33.50
30.50
27 .50
43-00
A
A
B
Totals for Staff:4
Totals for staff:7
Totals for staff:6
Tota1s for Staff: 10
Tota]-s for Staff: 1,2
Tota]'s fo! Staff :
Totals for Staff: 11
Totals for Staff:
Totals fo. Staff:
B
26.OO
25.50
23.00
21.50
40.50
31.s0
27 .50
39. 50
85.50
16.00
30.50
B
B
B
B
B
B
Page 2Otc/06/2016 12t28
Tota1s for staff:
7
A
A
B
Tota]-s for staff: 8
Tota]-s fo! Staff : 12
B
B
47.50
7
,Ithaca E.i-re Detr)artoent
Training Eours Tota]- by Staff
Class Date Betrreen lO5/Ot/2O16] And {05/3L/2OL6,
ID* Na,!e shifr * classes Hours
1{3 Powers, ,fobrr D
210 Raponi. Nicholas P
010 SchDurle , I!4ichael
B
B
B
Totals for staff:7
Tota1s for Staff: 12
31 .00
41.50
Totals for Staff: 11 39. 50
215 CustlEan, Louisa c
193 Eaton/ scott A C
175 Earvre]'l, Gary H C
189 HaDiltort, Christopher c
159 Harding, wi]-liaD c
214 Louis, JaDon c
199 o'Ha11oran, l4ichael c
Totals for staff:6 15. 00
Tota.].s fo! Staff: 10
Totals for Staff:
Totals fo! Staff:4
25.50
10.00
14-O0
Tota].s for Staff: 5 12.OO
Totals for staff:9 53.00
Total,s for Staff:6 16. 00
205 Pace / Daryl I
206 Pe).us, Trevo! M
C
Totals for staff:5 14.00
C
Totals for Staff:2 9. O0
195 Quadrozzi, Brian A
Totals for Staff:2 9. O0
154 Stevenson, Greg W c
Totals for staff:5 12.00
149 Tier, Danie]'c
Totals fo! staff:15. 00
12-00
178 whitney, Kevin L
Page 306/06/2076 12:.28
c
Tota1s for staff:
6
Training
Class Date Between
Ittraca Fire Depart:nent
Ilours Tota} by Staff
{os/ol/2oa6} And tos/31/2oL6l
ID# NaEe shift * classes Hours
lB4 Za)ac, Daniel" M
182 Apga!, George !I
198 Buck, AdaD
220 caccj-otti, Richard
171 Crowley, ThoEas P
158 Deis, Thonas
194 cebel , Jared K
165 Heath, Charles W
187 Orenstein, Beth S
152 Raponi / ThoBas M
183 Sul1iwan, Patrick J
203 ThoEpson, Kenneth G
211 Ti-er, Nicolas
209 Watros , l'ratthew J
174 Yleinstein, Brian S
222 A1bertsEaD, Lucas J
C
D
Totals for StEff : 6
Totals for Staff:
Totals for Staff:2
Totals for Staff:
Totals for staff:
Totals for Staff:A
Totals for staff:4
Totals fo! Staff:
Totals for Staff:
Totals for Staff:6
Totals for Staff:
Tota].s for staff:5
Totals for Sta.ff :
Totals for Staff:
Totals for Staff:4
15.00
47.00
8.00
49.00
9.00
12 .50
13.00
11 .00
12. O0
16.00
16.00
17-OO
15. O0
17.00
13.00
't2.50
D
D
D
D
D
3
3
D
D
D
D
06/06/2O1,6 72:.28
E
Tota1s for Staff: 36
Paqe 4
2
D
D
D
D
t Ithaca Fire Department
Tra5-ning Hours Tota1 by Staff
cl-ass Dare Berreen lo5/oL/201-61 And {05/3L/2OL61
ID# NaDe shift # Classes Hours
145 Hairres- Sharl), cilliarr E E
213 Lawrence, Jason P E
Totals for Staff:3 51 .00
Totals fo! Staff:8 26.50
217 shepherd, Robert E
Tota1s for staff:5 49-OO
221 Sti1we1l, Mark D
Totals fo! staff: 37 75-O0
150 Tracy, Clinton R E
Totals for Staff: 2f 54. OO
218 watros, Dy1an E
Totals for Staff:
Tota1s fo! Staff:
43.00
141 Parsons, C lttoEas
8.00
crand Totals: 458 I ,747 -50
a6/06/2076 72:.28 Page 5
x
2ofl 6/15/1016 l l:20 AM
Fwd: Firemen's Plot https://mail.cityofi thaca.org/owa/'lae=ltem&t=lPM.Notc&id=RgA...
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